Vuelta 2019 Route stage 2: Benidorm

Vuelta 2019 Route stage 2: Benidorm - Calpe

Sunday 25 August 2019 - The 2nd stage of the Vuelta a España leads from Benidorm to Calpe. At 193 kilometres, the route is far from flat, yet chances are the race will see a sprint finish.

Benidorm is a sea side resort on the Costa Blanca. It organised the Grande Partenza in 2011, while it hosted a stage start in the 2016 Vuelta. The riders click into their pedals and travel to the Puerto de Confrides, a peak that is crested at kilometre 31.5. A litte later the Alto de Benilloba looms.

The route continues in similar fashion. Albeit far from flat, the 2nd stage doesn’t offer brutal climbs. However, following the first passage in Calpe the riders head for the Alto de Puig Llorença, which rises at 10% in the early slopes. This hill was part of the finale of the 9th stage of the 2017 Vuelta, when Chris Froome climbed to victory in Cumbre del Sol.

After the Alto de Puig Llorença there are 24 kilometres left to race. Firstly a descent and with 16 kilometres another drop before the last kilometres are played out on the flat.

In 2016, Calpe served as an arrival to an ITT, which was won by Chris Froome.